The best made-for-TV sports movies

So, we're talking a summer camp movie here. Poison Ivy features sports such as baseball (including some shoddy scheming for a prized player to make the camp's varsity squad), swimming, and other Olympic-style events. As far as we're concerned, that qualifies for this list. Also, because Michael J. Fox and Nancy McKeon are fantastic together in this romantic comedy that was meant to showcase two of NBC's biggest primetime stars of the day. 

The production value here is rather pedestrian. The basketball hoops seem like they're eight-feet high, and the gymnasium scenes hardly rival anything from the college game. But this chronicle of college basketball star Hank Gathers from his early days as a poor Philadelphia youth to his tragic death from a heart ailment while on the court at Loyola Marymount is interesting enough to keep our attention. Victor Love stars in the title role, and veterans George Kennedy and Nell Carter also deliver solid performances.

Disney makes its first appearance on this list. And if Tony Danza is in it, the film's definitely worth watching. As Barney Gorman, Danza is a middling Philadelphia garbageman with a strong leg. His talent is randomly witnessed by a group of Eagles' executives who sign him to kick for the struggling team. What starts as a publicity stunt turns into a feel-good story once Barney's accurate kicks help the team start winning. Of course, the recognition goes to his head, and eventually, he must do some soul-searching. Predictable, but delightfully harmless.

Based on John Feinstein's popular book about Indiana University's 1985-86 basketball season, this was the first television movie produced and released by ESPN Films. Like the book, the movie revolves around the volatile coaching style of Hoosiers legend Bob Knight. (Yes, the chair-throwing incident is in there.) Brian Dennehy draws the lead role, and he's as naturally over-the-top as Knight, which was expected. There was plenty of hype surrounding the movie at the time, notably because ESPN was behind it. In the end, it was entertaining enough for the time spent. 

Before Disney put out the popular Miracle, there was this ABC story of the historic United States hockey team's improbable 1980 run to Olympic gold, which included a massive upset of the Russians. Miracle on Ice is time well spent. If anything, to watch Karl Malden deliver a surly, cliched-filled take as coach Herb Brooks. Funnyman Steve Guttenberg as conflicted netminder Jim Craig and pretty-boy Andrew Stevens trying out a Boston accent while portraying team captain Mike Eruzione.

LaVar Burton directed this autobiographical tale about the famed golfer. Tiger's progression from child golf phenom to dominant amateur, and eventually, one of the greatest golfers in the world is documented. The movie does a relatively good job of depicting Woods' struggles as a minority in the game. Not to mention, how tough it was to handle fame at a young age. Khalil Kain (Juice, Girlfriends) is solid in the lead role, but veteran actor Keith David is the star as Tiger's dedicated, outspoken, and often over-bearing father, Earl. The film was nominated for three Daytime Emmy Awards.

Speaking of the great LaVar Burton, he stars as the popular Detroit Tigers outfielder. Ron LeFlore went from an incarcerated heroin addict to one of the best players in the majors during the 1970s. While Burton delivers a strong performance, who knew legendary MLB manager Billy Martin had such impressive acting chops?

As we've seen, the made-for-tv biopic has long been popular with small-screen audiences. Nadia chronicles the life of beloved Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci, including how she came under the tutelage of infamous coach Béla Károlyi, and his wife, Márta. Comăneci eventually became an Olympic champion, and at age 14, the first woman to score a perfect 10 in said competition. The movie, however, was not without a bit of controversy since Comăneci reportedly had nothing to do with the production.

Back in the 1970s and into the '80s, the Dallas Cowboys were widely considered to be "America's Team." Almost as popular as the players themselves was the team's famed cheerleading squad. So, why not make a movie — and a sequel — about it? In the first installment, Jane Seymour stars as a newspaper reporter who goes undercover to try out for the squad and get a juicy story on the lifestyle of a professional cheerleader. Seymour was not part of the sequel, focusing on the ins and outs of how leader Suzanne Mitchell (Laraine Stephens) prepares the squad for game days.

OK, we'll take a little liberty with this one. The original version of this light-hearted comedy was released in 1953. However, the most recognizable take is this NBC remake starring Gary Coleman, who was becoming a fan favorite on Diff'rent Strokes at the time. He's the son of a former major-leaguer-turned-ballpark-vendor with a tremendous knowledge for baseball and ends up being hired to manage the San Diego Padres as a publicity stunt. Of course, he led them to the World Series. Again, nothing spectacular. Just some wholesome family fun. 

Before the brilliant I, Tonya film starring Margot Robbie was released, there was this gem that debuted on NBC. The plot centers on the aftermath of the attack on American figure skater Nancy Kerrigan (played by Heather Langenkamp) and the alleged involvement of rival Tonya Harding (Alexandra Powers). The obvious made-for-TV vibe was felt through portrayals of the over-the-top media coverage of the controversy and how the incident affected the lives of these two prominent international figures.

Back in the mid-1980s, the story of Renée Richards, a former ophthalmologist underwent gender reassignment surgery — male to female — and eventually competed as a women's professional tennis player. It made headlines. Naturally, her surgery was discovered by the public, and she sued the United States Tennis Association for the right to play as a female. The brilliant Vanessa Redgrave starred as Richards, and she was lauded for her performance on this CBS primetime feature.

One of the most acclaimed movies in the history of the Disney Channel. Andrew Lawrence stars as Jace Newfield, a blind student at a new school in Salt Lake City. Looking to fit in after a self-inflicted rough start, Jace is convinced to join his school's wrestling team. Following a rough start on the mat as well, Jace improves. He enjoys success along with his teammates, while also learning one doesn't have to be someone else in order to be accepted by others.

Helen Hunt stars in this story of Tami Maida, who turned heads when she earned a spot on the varsity football team at an Oregon high school and also gets nominated for Homecoming princess. It's a wholesome family drama. It's also inspiring and encouraging when it comes to acceptance — and not just when it comes to a girl playing a boys sport. A young Tim Robbins provides some comic relief as the athletically challenged backup quarterback.

Based on The New York Times bestselling book, Saved by the Bell star Mario Lopez took on the lead role — and actually does a solid job — as the Olympic champion diver in this above-average production. After smacking his head on the diving board at the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, the HIV-positive Louganis' trials and tribulations are told through a series of life flashbacks, and eventually, it concludes with the effects of the Olympic injury. 

Some of the biggest network television stars of the late 1970s were on display in this touching ABC romantic-comedy feature. It tells the story of minor league baseball player Bubba Newman (John Ritter), who ends up giving up the game, coaching a group of underprivileged children, and even finding a love interest (Susan Dey) in the process. As made-for-TV fare goes, The Comeback Kid rates rather high as a honest movie made for the whole family.

Just putting it out there, this is one of the more underrated sports movies — whether big screen or small — of all time. Randy Quaid stars as pro golfer Kenny Lee. Kenny has the talent to be successful, but his drive and ambition might not always be enough to become a PGA Tour star. Released on HBO, the movie offers an interesting view inside the life of a struggling touring pro. The off-centered/sometimes unhinged Quaid delivers an above-average performance. 

Directed by Billy Crystal and released on HBO, the story of New York Yankees greats Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle, and their pursuit of Babe Ruth's all-time home run record, remains one of the most celebrated sports biopics of all time. It didn't need to be on the big screen to authenticate the drama and emotion that went into the lives of these two men, especially off the field. Barry Pepper received a Golden Globe nomination for playing Maris, while Thomas Jane was also praised for taking on Mantle's complex role.

This inspirational story is about talented Canadian athlete Terry Fox, who upon learning of a cancer diagnosis that requires his right leg to be amputated, decides to run across his native country to raise money for cancer awareness. The Terry Fox Story was released in theaters in Canada. But in the United States, its release came as the first film made for cable television. It debuted on HBO and was well received by both critics and the public. Eric Fryer, an amputee himself, was praised for his portrayal as Fox. 

When it comes to sports movies, regardless which screen they debuted, Brian's Song still remains one of the best. It's charming, inspirational, dramatic, and emotional. The story about the special friendship between two Chicago Bears running backs was a major hit as ABC's "Movie of the Week." James Caan stars as the outgoing Brian Piccolo, and Billy Dee Williams plays the soft-spoken, but more talented, Gale Sayers. They went from unlikely pals to an inspiration to each other in this classic tearjerker that left us all mumbling "I love Brian Piccolo."